Lithuania establishes specialised drone unit to develop long-range UAV capabilities

The Lithuanian military has formed a dedicated unit to centralise and expand its long-range drone strike capabilities, state broadcaster LRT reports. The Autonomous Remote Unmanned Operations (ANBO) unit, unveiled at a demonstration in Kazlų Rūda on Tuesday, marks the culmination of two years of development since Lithuania began building its drone training infrastructure in 2024.

Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas described the unit as a fusion of “the art of warfare and the need for innovation,” addressing personnel at the event. The unit currently comprises over 100 service members, with plans for significant expansion in the coming years.

Chief of Defence Raimundas Vaikšnoras told journalists that full operational capability is targeted for 2027. “We envision 2026 as a turning point, with 2027 marking full operational readiness,” he said. “With industry and political support, we will acquire the necessary tools to train and—most importantly—deter potential adversaries.” The unit will collaborate with air defence and naval platforms, including recently licensed Ukrainian Magura maritime drones, which Vaikšnoras suggested would soon appear in Baltic Sea operations.

ANBO’s primary tasks include drone testing, expertise development, and organising high-level operations. Vaikšnoras emphasised operational secrecy, noting that while the unit’s personnel may remain publicly low-profile, their impact would be evident. “What you saw today were just the faces of people doing their jobs,” he said. “Tomorrow, you’ll hear about the effects—not who achieved them.”

The unit integrates expertise from Lithuania’s drone training centre, military academy, all armed forces branches, and the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Vaikšnoras highlighted direct training support from Ukrainian instructors, stressing the need to develop capabilities for deep-strike missions “if an adversary ever tests us.”

Minister Kaunas announced parallel efforts to establish a Strategic Technologies and Advantage Department within the defence ministry, which will work closely with ANBO. He underscored the need for increased funding for testing, calling current innovation budgets “symbolic and insufficient.” The unit will also serve as a liaison between the military and defence industry, communicating operational needs and facilitating product testing.

Regional partners, including Sweden and Finland, have expressed interest in anti-drone solutions, with ANBO positioned as Lithuania’s central hub for advancing these capabilities.